What do you think?
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
6 days and 18:22:22
100 copies available
U.S. only
Until the Sand Claims Us
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
6 days and 18:22:22
100 copies available
U.S. only
Two terrifying truths await her:
She must marry the Prince of Death.
And she’s been ordered to kill him.
Yildiz serves as the Southern princess’s bodyguard, but when the princess vanishes, she’s forced to take her place. Disguised as the royal bride, Yildiz enters the enemy palace, betrothed to the Northern prince.
Dayyan is known by all as the ruthless Northern executioner. He’s compelled to serve the shah or else risk harm befalling his family. When he takes the Southern princess as his bride, her fierce spirit and unwavering resilience begin to chip away at the solid walls he’s built around himself.
If Yildiz’s identity is exposed or she fails to eliminate the Northern heirs as instructed by her sultan, it means certain death. If Dayyan succumbs to his growing feelings for his new wife, it will be another weakness that can be wielded against him.
In a land ravaged by war, Yildiz and Dayyan are bound in a union that will forever change the destiny of the Khatatian Desert. A marriage meant to secure peace becomes something more than a mere obligation, and they have the impossible task of choosing between their duty and their hearts.
Until the Sand Claims Us is a Central Asian inspired new adult fantasy romance perfect for readers who crave slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, forced marriage, and the heartbreak of having to choose between duty and desire.
She must marry the Prince of Death.
And she’s been ordered to kill him.
Yildiz serves as the Southern princess’s bodyguard, but when the princess vanishes, she’s forced to take her place. Disguised as the royal bride, Yildiz enters the enemy palace, betrothed to the Northern prince.
Dayyan is known by all as the ruthless Northern executioner. He’s compelled to serve the shah or else risk harm befalling his family. When he takes the Southern princess as his bride, her fierce spirit and unwavering resilience begin to chip away at the solid walls he’s built around himself.
If Yildiz’s identity is exposed or she fails to eliminate the Northern heirs as instructed by her sultan, it means certain death. If Dayyan succumbs to his growing feelings for his new wife, it will be another weakness that can be wielded against him.
In a land ravaged by war, Yildiz and Dayyan are bound in a union that will forever change the destiny of the Khatatian Desert. A marriage meant to secure peace becomes something more than a mere obligation, and they have the impossible task of choosing between their duty and their hearts.
Until the Sand Claims Us is a Central Asian inspired new adult fantasy romance perfect for readers who crave slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, forced marriage, and the heartbreak of having to choose between duty and desire.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2026
About the author
Israh Azizi
5 books196 followersIsrah Azizi resides in the land of ten thousand lakes with her family and five cats. Since she was a little girl she has been a lover of words and fanciful tales. It was her dream to one day share a story of her own with the world. With sheer determination, lots of love, and a decent amount of caffeine, she managed to make that dream come true. Besides reading and writing, she has a dizzying number of hobbies, some of which include bossing around her younger siblings, experimenting with new baking recipes, and playing board games with her family and close friends. When life’s plot twists don’t cross her path and her fingers aren’t dancing across the keyboard building a fantastical adventure, she can usually be found in a quiet corner with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
September 18, 2026
I can fix you too, Shahzaday dayyan. just give me a chance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Imagine running through elaborate palace halls of filigreed red and gold, stepping out onto coarse sand as far as the eye can see, feeling the wind being blown against your face from the ruffling feathers of your winged horse, unsheathing your dagger ready to protect you best friend the princess. Only to find out she's missing and you have to take her place. What does that mean exactly? You have to marry the power hungry and blood thirsty neighbor's son, who also happens to be the notorious Prince of Death...and then kill him. Should be easy for an assassin, right?
And so, begins Until the Sand Claims Us. An enemies to lovers tale of Yildiz and Dayyan in this fantasy romance by Israh Azizi. The pacing is amazing, having chapters that keep you wanting more. And the poetry... yes at the beginning of the chapters are creative pieces all by themselves. The palace intrigue is fantastic, the found family is heartwarming, the culture is rich, and the love story is to die for.
If you are in a reading slump like I was, or if you're looking for a read through in one sitting, this book is my rec.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for my honest review.
And so, begins Until the Sand Claims Us. An enemies to lovers tale of Yildiz and Dayyan in this fantasy romance by Israh Azizi. The pacing is amazing, having chapters that keep you wanting more. And the poetry... yes at the beginning of the chapters are creative pieces all by themselves. The palace intrigue is fantastic, the found family is heartwarming, the culture is rich, and the love story is to die for.
If you are in a reading slump like I was, or if you're looking for a read through in one sitting, this book is my rec.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for my honest review.
September 28, 2026
Until the Sand Claims Us had so many elements that immediately appealed to me: enemies to lovers, a forced marriage, hidden identities, political intrigue, and plenty of yearning.
The Middle Eastern inspired setting was one of the strongest aspects of the book. It gave the story a distinct atmosphere, and I enjoyed learning more about the world alongside Yildiz. I also liked the gradual development between her and Dayyan, particularly as their initial distrust began to shift into something more complicated.
My biggest issue was the pacing. The beginning took some time to pull me in, while the final portion moved much faster than I expected. I would have liked more time devoted to the worldbuilding and the development of Yildiz and Dayyan’s relationship, especially because both had a lot of potential. I did appreciate that the author did not sugar coat the atrocities that were happening in this book and Israh Azizi's writing is quite descriptive and really beautiful.
Overall, this was an enjoyable standalone romantasy with an interesting setting, political tension, and a romance built around two characters learning to see beyond their initial assumptions of each other. I enjoyed this one a lot.
The Middle Eastern inspired setting was one of the strongest aspects of the book. It gave the story a distinct atmosphere, and I enjoyed learning more about the world alongside Yildiz. I also liked the gradual development between her and Dayyan, particularly as their initial distrust began to shift into something more complicated.
My biggest issue was the pacing. The beginning took some time to pull me in, while the final portion moved much faster than I expected. I would have liked more time devoted to the worldbuilding and the development of Yildiz and Dayyan’s relationship, especially because both had a lot of potential. I did appreciate that the author did not sugar coat the atrocities that were happening in this book and Israh Azizi's writing is quite descriptive and really beautiful.
Overall, this was an enjoyable standalone romantasy with an interesting setting, political tension, and a romance built around two characters learning to see beyond their initial assumptions of each other. I enjoyed this one a lot.
September 9, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Behind the Pages PR)
3.5 stars
Overall this was an easy read and I loved the world setting. I loved some of the side characters as well but did get a little confused at times with similar names. Bit of a slower start that picked up at the halfway mark. The end did unravel kind of quickly, leaving me questioning if I was remembering correctly that it was a standalone. I would have also liked to see things a bit more fleshed out with Yildiz and Dayyan and felt a lot of their conflict could have been resolved by just talking to each other.
3.5 stars
Overall this was an easy read and I loved the world setting. I loved some of the side characters as well but did get a little confused at times with similar names. Bit of a slower start that picked up at the halfway mark. The end did unravel kind of quickly, leaving me questioning if I was remembering correctly that it was a standalone. I would have also liked to see things a bit more fleshed out with Yildiz and Dayyan and felt a lot of their conflict could have been resolved by just talking to each other.
September 17, 2026
Top tier yearning. Love the Central Asian/Muslim rep. I would honestly give this more than five stars if I could. Don't sit on this guys, especially if you're a fantasy romance reader.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC with an honest review.
Story was well edited and flowed nicely. Great character development with an immersive fantasy world. Since this was a fantasy romance novel, it is understood that the romance would be the focus accompanied by supporting fantasy elements which was the case. Character guide and pronunciation guide were an asset causing no excuses as to character identification.
Entries at the beginning of the chapters added a classical touch and set the tone very well. They were obviously part of the poetry book that all northern royals were required to write as was mentioned in the book. Hoping the author will compiled all the entries into a poetry collection and make it available to readers like character art.
Story could have easily been a duology as there would be no complaints if the story continued. And yet maybe it was the perfect amount allowing one to yearn for a reread. Overall, a five star read.
Story was well edited and flowed nicely. Great character development with an immersive fantasy world. Since this was a fantasy romance novel, it is understood that the romance would be the focus accompanied by supporting fantasy elements which was the case. Character guide and pronunciation guide were an asset causing no excuses as to character identification.
Entries at the beginning of the chapters added a classical touch and set the tone very well. They were obviously part of the poetry book that all northern royals were required to write as was mentioned in the book. Hoping the author will compiled all the entries into a poetry collection and make it available to readers like character art.
Story could have easily been a duology as there would be no complaints if the story continued. And yet maybe it was the perfect amount allowing one to yearn for a reread. Overall, a five star read.
Review of advance copy
5 stars
★★★★★
⋆ Thank you to the author, Israh Azizi, and Iris Influencer Society for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ⋆
Another book to add to my 2026 favourites!
By now I know a sure fire way I will devour and adore a romantasy is enemies to lovers, arranged marriage and political machinations. I was presented all three within this book and I knew in my heart this would be a 5 star read. Add the Central Asian setting and hidden identity it was an immediate yes.
Dayyan and Yildiz are our yearners, starcrossed yet impossible lovers with baggage, secrets and politics separating them from happiness together. To write a standalone with such an amazing slow burn is impressive and cannot be understated or under appreciated. Many books fail at slow burn within series but standalone need to strike a balance that can be very easily toppled. This book provided the slow burn, the yearn, even the jealousy arc with skill.
I absolutely adore this book and everything about it. The beautiful quotes at the start of each chapter, the slow-burn romance, the yearning(!), the political intrigue, the arranged / forced marriage and the knowledge that this is a standalone so I will be getting my HEA!!
It was a joy to read and experience and I already have plans to reread this again. A Central Asian atmospheric read that beautifully rich and utterly mesmerising.
I always root for BIPOC authors and characters so for this to be a double win and a 5 star banger means the world to me.
I also posted my review on my Instagram ✿
★★★★★
⋆ Thank you to the author, Israh Azizi, and Iris Influencer Society for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ⋆
Another book to add to my 2026 favourites!
By now I know a sure fire way I will devour and adore a romantasy is enemies to lovers, arranged marriage and political machinations. I was presented all three within this book and I knew in my heart this would be a 5 star read. Add the Central Asian setting and hidden identity it was an immediate yes.
Dayyan and Yildiz are our yearners, starcrossed yet impossible lovers with baggage, secrets and politics separating them from happiness together. To write a standalone with such an amazing slow burn is impressive and cannot be understated or under appreciated. Many books fail at slow burn within series but standalone need to strike a balance that can be very easily toppled. This book provided the slow burn, the yearn, even the jealousy arc with skill.
I absolutely adore this book and everything about it. The beautiful quotes at the start of each chapter, the slow-burn romance, the yearning(!), the political intrigue, the arranged / forced marriage and the knowledge that this is a standalone so I will be getting my HEA!!
It was a joy to read and experience and I already have plans to reread this again. A Central Asian atmospheric read that beautifully rich and utterly mesmerising.
I always root for BIPOC authors and characters so for this to be a double win and a 5 star banger means the world to me.
I also posted my review on my Instagram ✿
Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿ TikTok ✿ Twitter ✿ Instagram ✿ Pinterest ✿ StoryGraph ✿ Fable ✿ Pagebound
September 13, 2026
If you adored the love story in We Hunt the Flame, you are going to eat this up.
From the very first page, I was thoroughly invested in both of these characters. Getting to see their individual motivations and internal struggles while watching them desperately try to hold themselves back from one another is exactly the kind of slow burn that makes me want to scream at the page (in a good way). The forced marriage, the impossible choices between duty/desire, the secrets so many secrets), the setting/atmosphere, the political tension... All of it delivered everything I was hoping for. Israh Azizi absolutely knows how to create characters you cannot stop thinking about.
That said, these characters can be quite dramatically reactive in ways that didn't always match who they'd been established to be. They read younger than full adults. The villains are also considerably less nuanced than I've come to expect from this author. The pacing escalates very quickly at the end, which I suspect comes with this being a standalone. Things that needed more room to breathe got compressed in ways that were occasionally jarring.
Still a fantastic read with delicious tension and a romance that absolutely delivers.
Thank you to booksirens, the author, and Behind the pages PA for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
From the very first page, I was thoroughly invested in both of these characters. Getting to see their individual motivations and internal struggles while watching them desperately try to hold themselves back from one another is exactly the kind of slow burn that makes me want to scream at the page (in a good way). The forced marriage, the impossible choices between duty/desire, the secrets so many secrets), the setting/atmosphere, the political tension... All of it delivered everything I was hoping for. Israh Azizi absolutely knows how to create characters you cannot stop thinking about.
That said, these characters can be quite dramatically reactive in ways that didn't always match who they'd been established to be. They read younger than full adults. The villains are also considerably less nuanced than I've come to expect from this author. The pacing escalates very quickly at the end, which I suspect comes with this being a standalone. Things that needed more room to breathe got compressed in ways that were occasionally jarring.
Still a fantastic read with delicious tension and a romance that absolutely delivers.
Thank you to booksirens, the author, and Behind the pages PA for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
July 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for a chance to review this book
Easiest 5 stars in my life!
Actually, this is a 6 stars read.
I don’t know if I finished the book and the book finished me. Calling it enemies to lovers would degrade the whole experience to just a simple trope. Words cannot describe the yearning that this book projects. It’s one of the most beautiful love stories that I have ever read.
Set in a world inspired by central Asia, we have Shahs and princes in turbans, wast deserts and (winged) horses, women spinning intrigues in harems. I fear I am not educated enough for this but it evokes Tales of 1000 and one nights kind of vibe. The author skilfully introduces different customs that I believe could exist in real life/history (again, I am not educated enough on Central Asia but some things seemed genuine). We are introduced to two warring kingdoms of South and North and the scheming within these kingdoms.
Our FMC Yildiz is a bodyguard to the princess of the South, but when the princes disappears in a crucial moment, she is forced to take her place, pretend to be her and follow the Northern princes as their war captive. Although the younger prince Bahir is set on marring her, she ends up as a wife of prince Dayyan - the older but the least favourite son the the greedy Shah. Dayyan is known as an “Executioner” and “the Prince of Death” for his seemingly cruel and bloodthirsty actions but not everything is as it seems. With passing of time, Yildiz and Dayyan discover each other's traumas and get closer.
I could not put this book down. There is enough intrigue and political machinations as well as yearning that I have never encountered before. If I should compare it to anything, it reminds me Grace Draven`s books - in about 400 pages you have compelling story with great world-building (no info dumping, you learn as the story progresses) and a beautiful love story.
If you are a romantic soul that also love when there is a substance to the story - something that makes you feel with and for the the characters - give it a chance, you will thank me later.
Let me finish by the quote by one obsessive MMC (Dayyan):
“He dared to mark you face. Dared to lay a finger on you. I do not deserve another breath if I do not separate his heart from his chest. No one harms my wife.”
Easiest 5 stars in my life!
Actually, this is a 6 stars read.
I don’t know if I finished the book and the book finished me. Calling it enemies to lovers would degrade the whole experience to just a simple trope. Words cannot describe the yearning that this book projects. It’s one of the most beautiful love stories that I have ever read.
Set in a world inspired by central Asia, we have Shahs and princes in turbans, wast deserts and (winged) horses, women spinning intrigues in harems. I fear I am not educated enough for this but it evokes Tales of 1000 and one nights kind of vibe. The author skilfully introduces different customs that I believe could exist in real life/history (again, I am not educated enough on Central Asia but some things seemed genuine). We are introduced to two warring kingdoms of South and North and the scheming within these kingdoms.
Our FMC Yildiz is a bodyguard to the princess of the South, but when the princes disappears in a crucial moment, she is forced to take her place, pretend to be her and follow the Northern princes as their war captive. Although the younger prince Bahir is set on marring her, she ends up as a wife of prince Dayyan - the older but the least favourite son the the greedy Shah. Dayyan is known as an “Executioner” and “the Prince of Death” for his seemingly cruel and bloodthirsty actions but not everything is as it seems. With passing of time, Yildiz and Dayyan discover each other's traumas and get closer.
I could not put this book down. There is enough intrigue and political machinations as well as yearning that I have never encountered before. If I should compare it to anything, it reminds me Grace Draven`s books - in about 400 pages you have compelling story with great world-building (no info dumping, you learn as the story progresses) and a beautiful love story.
If you are a romantic soul that also love when there is a substance to the story - something that makes you feel with and for the the characters - give it a chance, you will thank me later.
Let me finish by the quote by one obsessive MMC (Dayyan):
“He dared to mark you face. Dared to lay a finger on you. I do not deserve another breath if I do not separate his heart from his chest. No one harms my wife.”
September 15, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed Until the Sand Claim Us and its slow burn, enemies to lovers storyline. I found the Central Asian inspired location was interesting and intriguing! I thought the pacing was really well done in the book and that the storyline developed well with the mix of action, romance and plot.
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Net Galley for this ARC.
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Net Galley for this ARC.
August 15, 2026
As much as I love a good series, sometimes it’s so satisfying to have a story completely wrapped up in one book.
And Yildiz and Dayyan were everything. 🖤
Hidden identities, a forced marriage, a fiercely protective MMC, and two characters carrying traumatic pasts who somehow become a place of peace and safety for each other.
This was such an engaging, beautifully written story, and I found myself constantly wanting to turn just one more page.
Their relationship had that perfect mix of tenderness and tension, and the yearning? It hurt. In the best possible way.
I loved watching them slowly become each other’s safe place, and getting their whole story in one book made this such a satisfying standalone romantasy
And Yildiz and Dayyan were everything. 🖤
Hidden identities, a forced marriage, a fiercely protective MMC, and two characters carrying traumatic pasts who somehow become a place of peace and safety for each other.
This was such an engaging, beautifully written story, and I found myself constantly wanting to turn just one more page.
Their relationship had that perfect mix of tenderness and tension, and the yearning? It hurt. In the best possible way.
I loved watching them slowly become each other’s safe place, and getting their whole story in one book made this such a satisfying standalone romantasy
August 14, 2026
I’d first like to thank Page Turners Press LLC, Net Galley and of course Israh Azizi for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
When I first heard about Until the Sand Claims Us, I was so excited, it sounded like a very unique fantasy with political intrigue and enemies to lovers, I was like sign me up right now!!
I will preface this review by saying I did really enjoy this story and will look out for more from Israh, however there were a few points that just lost me a little.
The first being the abundance of side characters that got me quite confused, some even with very similar names that didn’t help me personally keep track of who was who, especially when one or more of those characters seemed unnecessary for the story to flow.
The pacing and world building were just a little bit off, it was very slow to start and then picked up really quickly towards the end. I do feel like more time could have been spent exploring the world that they were in and developing the character relationships.
The last thing would be the notes at the head of each chapter, passages written from what I can only imagine were previous prince’s and princesses of the north and south, but for me they didn’t really relate to the chapter most of the names weren’t mentioned anywhere else in the story and I was just a bit confused, if I’m honest I think about 60% through I just stopped reading those bits because they didn’t add anything to the story.
Reading this back, it seems like I’m being quite negative but I honestly did enjoy this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy stories with political intrigue.
When I first heard about Until the Sand Claims Us, I was so excited, it sounded like a very unique fantasy with political intrigue and enemies to lovers, I was like sign me up right now!!
I will preface this review by saying I did really enjoy this story and will look out for more from Israh, however there were a few points that just lost me a little.
The first being the abundance of side characters that got me quite confused, some even with very similar names that didn’t help me personally keep track of who was who, especially when one or more of those characters seemed unnecessary for the story to flow.
The pacing and world building were just a little bit off, it was very slow to start and then picked up really quickly towards the end. I do feel like more time could have been spent exploring the world that they were in and developing the character relationships.
The last thing would be the notes at the head of each chapter, passages written from what I can only imagine were previous prince’s and princesses of the north and south, but for me they didn’t really relate to the chapter most of the names weren’t mentioned anywhere else in the story and I was just a bit confused, if I’m honest I think about 60% through I just stopped reading those bits because they didn’t add anything to the story.
Reading this back, it seems like I’m being quite negative but I honestly did enjoy this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy stories with political intrigue.
August 7, 2026
Intense & Poetically Heartfelt ❤️✨
She's ordered to marry the Prince of Death (and then kill him) - Intense, romantic, adventurous, and beautifully heartfelt - this was one of those books that completely swept me away!
Until the Sand Claims Us is an intoxicating, tension-filled fantasy layered with secrets & betrayals, a hidden identity, divided kingdoms, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that had me completely captivated.
The relationship between the main characters is what truly pulled me in. Their chemistry builds through lingering glances, reluctant trust, witty challenges, unexpected tenderness, and those delicious little moments when everyone can see what's happening between them except the two people falling in love.
I absolutely cherished the Persian-inspired desert setting and rich cultural details woven throughout. The spices, colors, scents, and tastes were a delightful feast for my senses. The Altizar (winged horses) are a dream come true!
Israh Azizi's writing is beautifully poetic, with so many lines that made me pause just to savor them. This is one of those stories that I couldn't put down, and has become a new favorite!
Until the Sand Claims Us by Israh Azizi
Published: September 9, 2026
Fantasy Romance
5/5⭐️
🫑Mild/Spice-Free (yearning, attraction, kissing & a speculative non-detailed closed-door)
✨It was truly an honor to read and review this ARC. Special thanks to Israh Azizi, Page Turner Press, Victory Editing NetGalley, NetGalley, and Once Upon A Book Tour.
Content: Vi*lence, Battle Scenes, De*th/M*rder, Animal Companion De*th, S*xual Ass*ult (off-page)
She's ordered to marry the Prince of Death (and then kill him) - Intense, romantic, adventurous, and beautifully heartfelt - this was one of those books that completely swept me away!
Until the Sand Claims Us is an intoxicating, tension-filled fantasy layered with secrets & betrayals, a hidden identity, divided kingdoms, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that had me completely captivated.
The relationship between the main characters is what truly pulled me in. Their chemistry builds through lingering glances, reluctant trust, witty challenges, unexpected tenderness, and those delicious little moments when everyone can see what's happening between them except the two people falling in love.
I absolutely cherished the Persian-inspired desert setting and rich cultural details woven throughout. The spices, colors, scents, and tastes were a delightful feast for my senses. The Altizar (winged horses) are a dream come true!
Israh Azizi's writing is beautifully poetic, with so many lines that made me pause just to savor them. This is one of those stories that I couldn't put down, and has become a new favorite!
Until the Sand Claims Us by Israh Azizi
Published: September 9, 2026
Fantasy Romance
5/5⭐️
🫑Mild/Spice-Free (yearning, attraction, kissing & a speculative non-detailed closed-door)
✨It was truly an honor to read and review this ARC. Special thanks to Israh Azizi, Page Turner Press, Victory Editing NetGalley, NetGalley, and Once Upon A Book Tour.
Content: Vi*lence, Battle Scenes, De*th/M*rder, Animal Companion De*th, S*xual Ass*ult (off-page)
August 31, 2026
4.25
I will say this was almost a 4.5 for me. I liked the book but for me the first 50% were on turbo speed with the pacing that we were never allowed to sit with anything happening or the characters and it was just a whirlwind. Now I think that is tied to the fact that this is a standalone, and the author was trying to get everything set up but even with it being a whirlwind for the first 50% I did fully understand the world and the characters and their motivations. But it is the last 50% of the book that I enjoyed most because the pacing slow down to where we were actually able to sit with the story and experience things with the characters. While there is a lot of political intrigue in the first half with the hidden identity there is a surprise at the end that makes you question everyone and trusting no one not even your closest ally.
Now our FMC is Yildiz and I really liked her. She was strong and a bad ass who was just trying to survive after she was ordered to take cousin's place. The reason being is she is not supposed to marry a northern prince in hopes of bringing about peace. But even the marriage will not bring about a truce, and she is truly behind enemies' lines with no allies not just from the men who want to kill her but also women in harem who want to take out the competition so to speak. So, she is truly alone, and this is a true enemy to lovers. As for Dayyan our prince of death at first you hate him bc of all the blood on his hands but quickly he shows you a side of compassion you wouldn't expect and then we delve even deeper and learn there are very important reasons why he does what he does. So, I really ended up liking him and the tension between him and Yildiz was really good as they worked through their feelings of being married to the enemy especially with the blood on Dayyan hands. But even as they work through their feelings I loved how he was all about don't you dare speak to my wife like that or who did this to you.
Overall, while the 1st half was a little too fast it was enough to interest me that I was able to lock in for the last 50% and really enjoy myself. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am intrigued to read more.
-----
This book is about Yildiz who was raised to be her cousin the southern princess bodyguard since she was a child after the disgrace of her father. But her job just got a lot harder as now she is not just protecting the princess but now she has to become the princess and take her place in marrying the northern prince after her cousin vanishes. But this is no weak prince but rather Dayyan known as the northern executioner whose hands are covered in the blood of southern people. But while they may be enemies and at each other's throat it is Yildiz and her fierceness that starts to chip at the walls Dayyan has put up to protect himself. But everyday Yildiz fears that the truth of her identity will be discovered or that she will fail in her mission to kill the northern heirs including her husband all to protect the southern people and finally win this war. So, they will need to decide between their duty or their hearts because this union will forever change the kingdoms as they know it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will say this was almost a 4.5 for me. I liked the book but for me the first 50% were on turbo speed with the pacing that we were never allowed to sit with anything happening or the characters and it was just a whirlwind. Now I think that is tied to the fact that this is a standalone, and the author was trying to get everything set up but even with it being a whirlwind for the first 50% I did fully understand the world and the characters and their motivations. But it is the last 50% of the book that I enjoyed most because the pacing slow down to where we were actually able to sit with the story and experience things with the characters. While there is a lot of political intrigue in the first half with the hidden identity there is a surprise at the end that makes you question everyone and trusting no one not even your closest ally.
Now our FMC is Yildiz and I really liked her. She was strong and a bad ass who was just trying to survive after she was ordered to take cousin's place. The reason being is she is not supposed to marry a northern prince in hopes of bringing about peace. But even the marriage will not bring about a truce, and she is truly behind enemies' lines with no allies not just from the men who want to kill her but also women in harem who want to take out the competition so to speak. So, she is truly alone, and this is a true enemy to lovers. As for Dayyan our prince of death at first you hate him bc of all the blood on his hands but quickly he shows you a side of compassion you wouldn't expect and then we delve even deeper and learn there are very important reasons why he does what he does. So, I really ended up liking him and the tension between him and Yildiz was really good as they worked through their feelings of being married to the enemy especially with the blood on Dayyan hands. But even as they work through their feelings I loved how he was all about don't you dare speak to my wife like that or who did this to you.
Overall, while the 1st half was a little too fast it was enough to interest me that I was able to lock in for the last 50% and really enjoy myself. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am intrigued to read more.
-----
This book is about Yildiz who was raised to be her cousin the southern princess bodyguard since she was a child after the disgrace of her father. But her job just got a lot harder as now she is not just protecting the princess but now she has to become the princess and take her place in marrying the northern prince after her cousin vanishes. But this is no weak prince but rather Dayyan known as the northern executioner whose hands are covered in the blood of southern people. But while they may be enemies and at each other's throat it is Yildiz and her fierceness that starts to chip at the walls Dayyan has put up to protect himself. But everyday Yildiz fears that the truth of her identity will be discovered or that she will fail in her mission to kill the northern heirs including her husband all to protect the southern people and finally win this war. So, they will need to decide between their duty or their hearts because this union will forever change the kingdoms as they know it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 3 stars
Until the Sand Claims Us is an Central Asian inspired story, about a bodyguard taking the place of the Southern princess after she vanished, to marry the Northern prince.
I really looked forward to reading this book, as I love exploring and discovering new books set in or inspired by Central Asian culture. Also the tropes; the slow-burn, the enemies-to-lovers and tension made me excited to read it!
I did struggle a bit with the story and feel like the story felt a bit flat in general. The setting and worldbuilding were amazingly written and I really loved the political intrigue that was added to the plot.
I didn't really connect with the characters. Yildez is a bodyguard, has been for years, but she was so rash and just acted without thinking. It annoyed me a bit, as I had a completely different idea with how she would act as she was supposed to have been guarding the precious princess for so many years.
The pacing of the story wasn't quite balanced, as it started off rather slow and felt too rushed towards the end. This made the ending also feel rushed and not quite as good as it could've been.
Overall, Until the Sand Claims Us has a beautiful setting and in interesting plot, but being unable to connect with the characters made me not really feel this book.
Until the Sand Claims Us is an Central Asian inspired story, about a bodyguard taking the place of the Southern princess after she vanished, to marry the Northern prince.
He took my hand, pressing it to his beating heart. "Without you, the desert is a wasteland. You are my oasis."
I really looked forward to reading this book, as I love exploring and discovering new books set in or inspired by Central Asian culture. Also the tropes; the slow-burn, the enemies-to-lovers and tension made me excited to read it!
I did struggle a bit with the story and feel like the story felt a bit flat in general. The setting and worldbuilding were amazingly written and I really loved the political intrigue that was added to the plot.
I didn't really connect with the characters. Yildez is a bodyguard, has been for years, but she was so rash and just acted without thinking. It annoyed me a bit, as I had a completely different idea with how she would act as she was supposed to have been guarding the precious princess for so many years.
The pacing of the story wasn't quite balanced, as it started off rather slow and felt too rushed towards the end. This made the ending also feel rushed and not quite as good as it could've been.
Overall, Until the Sand Claims Us has a beautiful setting and in interesting plot, but being unable to connect with the characters made me not really feel this book.
August 8, 2026
This.book.was.a.blast
Probably the most fun I’ve had reading a book this year. The fight scenes and the dance scenes had me thinking I was watching a movie. I was enamored by this story. The romance, the politics, the “mistaken identities” all of it. Dayyan and Yildiz might be my top two favorite MCs so far this year. Zeki was also written so beautifully. Israh has a talent that frankly I find to be unmatched. Her storytelling is mesmerizing. You truly feel like you can see what she’s writing, as if you’re watching play out just from reading the words across the page. Everything from the minuscule body language changes, to the embraces, and to the aggressive behaviors, I felt all of it. If you’re looking for something unique, set in the desert, among royalty, this book is 1000000% for you. What started as something I thought was just your old fashioned enemies to lovers romance took on a life of its own, in this fast paced, politically charged, bloodbath of a story. Thank you a million Israh for this ARC.
Probably the most fun I’ve had reading a book this year. The fight scenes and the dance scenes had me thinking I was watching a movie. I was enamored by this story. The romance, the politics, the “mistaken identities” all of it. Dayyan and Yildiz might be my top two favorite MCs so far this year. Zeki was also written so beautifully. Israh has a talent that frankly I find to be unmatched. Her storytelling is mesmerizing. You truly feel like you can see what she’s writing, as if you’re watching play out just from reading the words across the page. Everything from the minuscule body language changes, to the embraces, and to the aggressive behaviors, I felt all of it. If you’re looking for something unique, set in the desert, among royalty, this book is 1000000% for you. What started as something I thought was just your old fashioned enemies to lovers romance took on a life of its own, in this fast paced, politically charged, bloodbath of a story. Thank you a million Israh for this ARC.
September 14, 2026
Thank you Israh Azizi and Behind the Pages PA for the eARC! All opinions are my own ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
I recently featured this book in a Lady Knights post, because while Yildiz, our FMC, isn't a knight in the traditional European sense of the word, she is a badass royal bodyguard and warrior fighting for what's right. If anyone deserves the title, it's Yildiz.
The niece of a Sultan, she has been tasked with protecting her cousin Princess Farani's life at any cost. When an attempted political alliance goes south, she unexpectedly finds herself engaged to a bloodthirsty enemy — but they think she's Farani.
This is a fantastic romantasy, packed with Shakespearean twists and turns and embedded with a deep, beautiful lore inspired by Central Asia. Azizi seamlessly blends reality with fantasy, featuring cultural traditions such as bridal henna, harems, and traditional garb alongside her version of a pegasus, prophecy, and magical plants.
Azizi also tackles themes like sexual assault in a careful, realistic way that centers the character's healing and safety in her budding relationship. Two thumbs up.
The romantasy genre can start to feel repetitive when you read a lot of them, but I never got bored with Until the Sand Claims Us. If you're feeling tired of Eurocentric romantasy stories with shadow daddies and women with hidden magic, I recommend trying Until the Sand Claims Us, which maintains a morally grey male lead but layers culture, drama, and storytelling in the most fantastically unique way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
I recently featured this book in a Lady Knights post, because while Yildiz, our FMC, isn't a knight in the traditional European sense of the word, she is a badass royal bodyguard and warrior fighting for what's right. If anyone deserves the title, it's Yildiz.
The niece of a Sultan, she has been tasked with protecting her cousin Princess Farani's life at any cost. When an attempted political alliance goes south, she unexpectedly finds herself engaged to a bloodthirsty enemy — but they think she's Farani.
This is a fantastic romantasy, packed with Shakespearean twists and turns and embedded with a deep, beautiful lore inspired by Central Asia. Azizi seamlessly blends reality with fantasy, featuring cultural traditions such as bridal henna, harems, and traditional garb alongside her version of a pegasus, prophecy, and magical plants.
Azizi also tackles themes like sexual assault in a careful, realistic way that centers the character's healing and safety in her budding relationship. Two thumbs up.
The romantasy genre can start to feel repetitive when you read a lot of them, but I never got bored with Until the Sand Claims Us. If you're feeling tired of Eurocentric romantasy stories with shadow daddies and women with hidden magic, I recommend trying Until the Sand Claims Us, which maintains a morally grey male lead but layers culture, drama, and storytelling in the most fantastically unique way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
September 5, 2026
*Thank you to Behind the Pages and Israh Aziz for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest and authentic review - All opinions are my own.*
This was a phenomenal stand alone fantasy romance story!! Israh did such a fabulous job creating this beautiful world, the plot and pacing was perfection, the romance was a steady slow burn with bumps and leaps in the best way for a stand alone- and there were plenty of twists to make it so interesting to the very end!!
Yildiz was such a strong and beautiful FMC that was easy to root for. She had such a hard role she was thrust into and she manages it all with grace and fierce grit.
Dayyan was a swoonworthy MMC where you just know he has the heart of gold and stuck in a very hard place being this enforcer with a legacy of murder.
I loved this story!! I was so happy with the whole process and I can’t recommend it more as a fantasy with a new landscape and even more captivating culture!
This was a phenomenal stand alone fantasy romance story!! Israh did such a fabulous job creating this beautiful world, the plot and pacing was perfection, the romance was a steady slow burn with bumps and leaps in the best way for a stand alone- and there were plenty of twists to make it so interesting to the very end!!
Yildiz was such a strong and beautiful FMC that was easy to root for. She had such a hard role she was thrust into and she manages it all with grace and fierce grit.
Dayyan was a swoonworthy MMC where you just know he has the heart of gold and stuck in a very hard place being this enforcer with a legacy of murder.
I loved this story!! I was so happy with the whole process and I can’t recommend it more as a fantasy with a new landscape and even more captivating culture!
September 16, 2026
Until the Sands Claim Us by Israh Azizi
3.75/5⭐️
🚪*just kisses
2/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
If this was a movie, I would go see it in a HEARTBEAT. I loved the lush setting, the royal intrigue and the storyline. I loved the set up of the body guard to the princess being forced to take her place when she disappears to help keep a peace treaty to stop a war. I loved the slow softening of our enemy main characters but something was missing for me to really connect to their emotions and relationship. The Prince was morally grey and there were moments that went too far for me, no matter his reasoning. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning but the last 30% was impossible to put down. I really appreciated learning about the Central Asian culture this story was inspired by and was really thankful for the glossary and pronunciation guide the author provided. If you’re looking for an epic romantasy standalone, you should try this!
3.75/5⭐️
🚪*just kisses
2/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
If this was a movie, I would go see it in a HEARTBEAT. I loved the lush setting, the royal intrigue and the storyline. I loved the set up of the body guard to the princess being forced to take her place when she disappears to help keep a peace treaty to stop a war. I loved the slow softening of our enemy main characters but something was missing for me to really connect to their emotions and relationship. The Prince was morally grey and there were moments that went too far for me, no matter his reasoning. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning but the last 30% was impossible to put down. I really appreciated learning about the Central Asian culture this story was inspired by and was really thankful for the glossary and pronunciation guide the author provided. If you’re looking for an epic romantasy standalone, you should try this!
August 1, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With a dedication like ‘For the Yearners’ I had high hopes for this story. It did not disappoint.
There is yearning, and then there is Dayyan. There is also war, corruption, kidnapping, arranged/forced marriage, magical roots & Pegasus horses, enslavement, murder, betrayal, one bed, stolen glances, star crossed love and declarations of love to make you swoon.
The story of Yildiz and Dayyan is beautifully told, well written and a joy to have read.
With a dedication like ‘For the Yearners’ I had high hopes for this story. It did not disappoint.
There is yearning, and then there is Dayyan. There is also war, corruption, kidnapping, arranged/forced marriage, magical roots & Pegasus horses, enslavement, murder, betrayal, one bed, stolen glances, star crossed love and declarations of love to make you swoon.
The story of Yildiz and Dayyan is beautifully told, well written and a joy to have read.
July 2, 2026
This is a true enemies to lovers / forced marriage story. I was hooked from the first chapter. The tension, angst, and slow burn was written beautifully.
Yildiz has become one of my favorite FMC’s.
*Thank you NetGalley, Israh Azizi, & PageTurnerPress LLC for this ARC!*
Yildiz has become one of my favorite FMC’s.
*Thank you NetGalley, Israh Azizi, & PageTurnerPress LLC for this ARC!*
October 4, 2026
Loved this so much that I wish I could erase my memory and read it again for the first time.
Full review to come, but for now don’t sleep on this one.
Full review to come, but for now don’t sleep on this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After the month I've had, I was looking forward to reading a new fantasy novel and Until the Sand Claims Us was everything I wanted and more from a book right now. The world was beautiful, the characters claimed my heart and the twists kept me turning pages until almost dawn. I truly loved the way this story unfolded and I will follow Israh Azizi to every book they write from here on out.
Until the Sand Claims Us follows two leads, Yildiz, a bodyguard for the princess of the south, her cousin, and Dayyan, the prince of the north, also known as the prince of death. The pair cross paths when Yildiz is offered up in her cousin's place for marriage to a northern prince in the hopes of stopping the war that has been raging for years. Yildiz has been given a task by the sultan, kill the princes or face certain death. But her betrothed, Dayyan, is not the villain she thinks he is and he has been forced to follow the shah's every order so that he can keep his family safe. As the two come together, Dayyan starts to realize that he has feelings for his new wife, making her a new target to be used against him and to control him while Yildiz has to wonder if killing the prince would even be the revenge it was meant to be. Their marriage was supposed to be the start of a new peace but various factors are working against them and the pair will have to choose between what they are meant to do or their newfound love in an effort at changing their destinies and the furure of their homelands.
First of all, the world-building here is exquisitely done. There are so many interesting aspects to the world itself, from the the reason for why the North wants to conquer the South and how the people live to how that in turn affects everything that lives in the Khatatian Desert. Azizi provided so many answers to questions I had about the people and stories about how and why the war started. There was also an interesting addition to the start of every chapter and the discovery of what these lines turned out to be just left me feeling a little awed at how Azizi provided this interesting bit to fill in the world just that much more. I loved the development and the way Azizi gave each part of the story the information as it was needed. Enemies to lovers as a trope usually doesn't work for me but it was done to perfection in this novel because I believed everything about the developing relationship between the leads. Their story as a driving force for the novel kept my attention riveted because believe me when I say that I had to finish this book in a day, I couldn't put it down.
The characters in this book were perfection. Yildiz was a gjrl after my own heart with her fiery spirit and her fighting ability. I knew that Dayyan would be tragic somehow but the way Azizi developed his character into something so strong while sympathetic at the same time made me eager to see how this newly married couple would finally be on the same page together. Thanks to Azizi's writing, I was just as invested in the rest of the cast of charactets, including Dayyan's closest friend Zeki, and Bazmara, Omid and Delara, the siblings Dayyan would do anything for. Every character gets their chance to make an impact on the story and I loved them all by the end of the book.
As for the plot, I found the struggle of choosing between duty and love to be a particularly good driving force for this story. Trying to find a way for two people who have grown up being used as tools by the family that was supposed to protect them to finally accept a true and everlasting love made this just a beautiful story in the end. I wanted these two to grow together and find an understanding and their journey to find a way to be together and help their people made for such a fun adventure to go on. All in all, a very satisfying novel about taking chances and finding somewhere to belong for who you truly are.
In the end, this book was the perfect story that I was looking to read and I'm so grateful to have gotten the chance to meet Yildiz and Dayyan and have a chance to spend some time in this world.
Rating on my Scale: 10 Stars. I might have shed or two at a particular reveal so bear that in mind because it's good to know when an author has the talent to make you care that much about the people they have created.
My thanks to Behind the Pages and Israh Szizi for the eARC of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
Until the Sand Claims Us follows two leads, Yildiz, a bodyguard for the princess of the south, her cousin, and Dayyan, the prince of the north, also known as the prince of death. The pair cross paths when Yildiz is offered up in her cousin's place for marriage to a northern prince in the hopes of stopping the war that has been raging for years. Yildiz has been given a task by the sultan, kill the princes or face certain death. But her betrothed, Dayyan, is not the villain she thinks he is and he has been forced to follow the shah's every order so that he can keep his family safe. As the two come together, Dayyan starts to realize that he has feelings for his new wife, making her a new target to be used against him and to control him while Yildiz has to wonder if killing the prince would even be the revenge it was meant to be. Their marriage was supposed to be the start of a new peace but various factors are working against them and the pair will have to choose between what they are meant to do or their newfound love in an effort at changing their destinies and the furure of their homelands.
First of all, the world-building here is exquisitely done. There are so many interesting aspects to the world itself, from the the reason for why the North wants to conquer the South and how the people live to how that in turn affects everything that lives in the Khatatian Desert. Azizi provided so many answers to questions I had about the people and stories about how and why the war started. There was also an interesting addition to the start of every chapter and the discovery of what these lines turned out to be just left me feeling a little awed at how Azizi provided this interesting bit to fill in the world just that much more. I loved the development and the way Azizi gave each part of the story the information as it was needed. Enemies to lovers as a trope usually doesn't work for me but it was done to perfection in this novel because I believed everything about the developing relationship between the leads. Their story as a driving force for the novel kept my attention riveted because believe me when I say that I had to finish this book in a day, I couldn't put it down.
The characters in this book were perfection. Yildiz was a gjrl after my own heart with her fiery spirit and her fighting ability. I knew that Dayyan would be tragic somehow but the way Azizi developed his character into something so strong while sympathetic at the same time made me eager to see how this newly married couple would finally be on the same page together. Thanks to Azizi's writing, I was just as invested in the rest of the cast of charactets, including Dayyan's closest friend Zeki, and Bazmara, Omid and Delara, the siblings Dayyan would do anything for. Every character gets their chance to make an impact on the story and I loved them all by the end of the book.
As for the plot, I found the struggle of choosing between duty and love to be a particularly good driving force for this story. Trying to find a way for two people who have grown up being used as tools by the family that was supposed to protect them to finally accept a true and everlasting love made this just a beautiful story in the end. I wanted these two to grow together and find an understanding and their journey to find a way to be together and help their people made for such a fun adventure to go on. All in all, a very satisfying novel about taking chances and finding somewhere to belong for who you truly are.
In the end, this book was the perfect story that I was looking to read and I'm so grateful to have gotten the chance to meet Yildiz and Dayyan and have a chance to spend some time in this world.
Rating on my Scale: 10 Stars. I might have shed or two at a particular reveal so bear that in mind because it's good to know when an author has the talent to make you care that much about the people they have created.
My thanks to Behind the Pages and Israh Szizi for the eARC of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I'm not usually one to say this but you need to run and read this book IMMEDIATELY! 5 ⭐️
Yildiz is a bodyguard for her cousin Farina, the princess of the South. Due to the ongoing war between the North and the South, the Sultan, Farina's father proposed that Farina get married to one of the prince's of the North to settle the endless fighting. However, upon the arranged day, the princess runs away leaving Yildiz no choice but to take her place as instructed by her Sultan. Yildiz, now Farina, must infiltrate the North and kill the royal family to end the ongoing war.
Dayyan is the first prince of the North who spends his days doing the bidding of his father, the Shah. He's trapped in an endless cycle of being the Kings executioner all for keeping his family safe. When Yildiz arrives at the palace in place of Farina, on the day she's supposed to get married to his brother, he finds himself volunteering to marry her just to keep her safe even though she's his enemy.
This book is inspired by Arabic and Persian culture from what I can surmise. There is so much of intricate details of the desert, the clothes that they wear and even the buildings. The world building is immaculate. There is literally nothing left to imagine. Though there are times when the world building can feel a bit heavy, it truly pays off with how beautifully everything is described. The best way I can describe this is that it makes you feel like you want to live inside these pages.
Yildiz is such a unique character. She's incredibly talented and will do anything for her people. She always tries her best to protect the princess and will willingly give up her life because that's what is expected of her. Her character slowly develops and changes with the events that take place in the book. In the beginning she's extremely defensive and in survival mode. She'll do and say anything if that means that she can live another day and see that her goal is complete. Towards the middle, you can see that the environment that she's in changes her perception of what she thought was true and she takes into account how her actions could affect others. She also slowly starts to warm up to Dayyan as well as finally start to realize that she can put herself first. She's allowing herself to be vulnerable and learn to relay on others even just for a little. Towards the end, she has every reason to do what she needs to do yet she still shows compassion, still tries to make a difference. If anything she could have easily become a villain and had every right to however that's not who she is.
Dayyan is not as complex as Yildiz in my opinion but he still goes through various changes and develops throughout the book. In the beginning he's described as someone who is incredibly ruthless, someone who is cold and does not have even an ounce of regret however as we learn more about him, we realize he's forced to be that way for his family. The Dayyan we're told about and the actual person that he is, is two different people. He may seem cowardly at times however he was brought up in a way that skewed his beliefs and sowed fear into him. He's a result of a man who was harsh and unjust however he never showed those tendencies despite what he's been through. Is he wrong for doing certain things? Absolutely. Did he have a choice? No he did not.
The plot was incredibly interesting and so fresh. Even though the plot twist was obvious but after the initial plot twist happened, more and more just appeared. That ending was a shocker upon shocker. My jaw was literally on the ground. I loved the eastern inspired elements and feel of everything. The details of the clothes, to the interior design to the transport even was so well done.
The atmosphere made me truly feel like i was in the desert and like I was living in the book. There was never a time where I felt like I wasn't immersed in the book and like I wasn't in the desert or in a palace. One thing I really appreciated as well was that there was an index at the start of the book with all names and pronunciation of said names and words that would be said in the book as well as the meaning.
This is truly outstanding work from Israh and I'm truly honored to have read such amazing work. This is definitely worth reading and worth being invested in. I promise it will not disappoint.
I'm not usually one to say this but you need to run and read this book IMMEDIATELY! 5 ⭐️
Yildiz is a bodyguard for her cousin Farina, the princess of the South. Due to the ongoing war between the North and the South, the Sultan, Farina's father proposed that Farina get married to one of the prince's of the North to settle the endless fighting. However, upon the arranged day, the princess runs away leaving Yildiz no choice but to take her place as instructed by her Sultan. Yildiz, now Farina, must infiltrate the North and kill the royal family to end the ongoing war.
Dayyan is the first prince of the North who spends his days doing the bidding of his father, the Shah. He's trapped in an endless cycle of being the Kings executioner all for keeping his family safe. When Yildiz arrives at the palace in place of Farina, on the day she's supposed to get married to his brother, he finds himself volunteering to marry her just to keep her safe even though she's his enemy.
This book is inspired by Arabic and Persian culture from what I can surmise. There is so much of intricate details of the desert, the clothes that they wear and even the buildings. The world building is immaculate. There is literally nothing left to imagine. Though there are times when the world building can feel a bit heavy, it truly pays off with how beautifully everything is described. The best way I can describe this is that it makes you feel like you want to live inside these pages.
Yildiz is such a unique character. She's incredibly talented and will do anything for her people. She always tries her best to protect the princess and will willingly give up her life because that's what is expected of her. Her character slowly develops and changes with the events that take place in the book. In the beginning she's extremely defensive and in survival mode. She'll do and say anything if that means that she can live another day and see that her goal is complete. Towards the middle, you can see that the environment that she's in changes her perception of what she thought was true and she takes into account how her actions could affect others. She also slowly starts to warm up to Dayyan as well as finally start to realize that she can put herself first. She's allowing herself to be vulnerable and learn to relay on others even just for a little. Towards the end, she has every reason to do what she needs to do yet she still shows compassion, still tries to make a difference. If anything she could have easily become a villain and had every right to however that's not who she is.
Dayyan is not as complex as Yildiz in my opinion but he still goes through various changes and develops throughout the book. In the beginning he's described as someone who is incredibly ruthless, someone who is cold and does not have even an ounce of regret however as we learn more about him, we realize he's forced to be that way for his family. The Dayyan we're told about and the actual person that he is, is two different people. He may seem cowardly at times however he was brought up in a way that skewed his beliefs and sowed fear into him. He's a result of a man who was harsh and unjust however he never showed those tendencies despite what he's been through. Is he wrong for doing certain things? Absolutely. Did he have a choice? No he did not.
The plot was incredibly interesting and so fresh. Even though the plot twist was obvious but after the initial plot twist happened, more and more just appeared. That ending was a shocker upon shocker. My jaw was literally on the ground. I loved the eastern inspired elements and feel of everything. The details of the clothes, to the interior design to the transport even was so well done.
The atmosphere made me truly feel like i was in the desert and like I was living in the book. There was never a time where I felt like I wasn't immersed in the book and like I wasn't in the desert or in a palace. One thing I really appreciated as well was that there was an index at the start of the book with all names and pronunciation of said names and words that would be said in the book as well as the meaning.
This is truly outstanding work from Israh and I'm truly honored to have read such amazing work. This is definitely worth reading and worth being invested in. I promise it will not disappoint.
August 18, 2026
There are some books you enjoy, and then there are books you absolutely inhale. Until the Sand Claims Us was very firmly the second one for me. I read this in a day and genuinely could not put it down.
First of all, this book is dedicated to the yearners, and Israh Azizi really said, “I see you.” The yearning in this book is TOP TIER. Dayyan is now firmly one of my favourite male main characters. He gave me so much Kaan Vaegor from When the Moon Hatched energy, with that combination of tenderness, respect and restraint, while also having the very much “touch my woman and I will end you” energy that we all appreciate. What I loved most about him, though, was the way his relationship with Yildiz was built around genuinely seeing and respecting each other as equals. It wasn’t just physical attraction. They challenged each other mentally, respected each other’s strengths and constantly pushed one another.
And Yildiz? I absolutely loved her. She’s a bodyguard who ends up having to take Farani’s place and marry a prince, and she is such a brilliant FMC. She’s badass without being written as completely infallible. She’s intelligent and street smart, but there are moments where she’s naive, and I really enjoyed that balance. Her dynamic with Dayyan was probably my favourite thing about the entire book. They genuinely did not like each other to begin with, so this felt like genuine enemies to yearners rather than two people who are mildly inconvenienced by each other’s existence. The banter, the arguments, the mental sparring and even the physical sparring were so much fun. And the fact that they actually spent time together and got the chance to properly challenge and understand each other made their relationship feel so much more believable.
Also, the yearning. I cannot stress this enough. There were moments where I was absolutely convinced, “THIS IS IT.” Surely this is finally the moment. And then nothing. The restraint was almost cruel, but in the best possible way. If you are a yearning girl, you are going to eat this up.
I really loved the world too. The Khatatian Desert and the conflict between the North and South gave the story such an interesting setting, and I loved the Central Asian influences throughout it. I got hints of Turkish and even ancient Babylonian influences, which made the world feel very different from a lot of the fantasy romances I’ve been reading lately. There is magic here, but it’s subtle rather than being thrown at you constantly. There are fantastical creatures, including a winged horse, but the fantasy elements are woven into the world rather than taking over the story, and I thought that worked really well.
I also really appreciated the pronunciation guide and glossary at the beginning of the book. With so many names, places and unfamiliar words, having those there was genuinely helpful and made it much easier to settle into the world.
The plotting was another huge win for me. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, something else happened. There were so many twists and turns that kept me invested from beginning to end, and the pacing worked really well for me. I was constantly thinking I knew what was coming next, only to be proven wrong.
I also really enjoyed the side characters and the relationships outside of the main romance. Azizi created a world here that I genuinely wanted more of. By the end, I was sitting there thinking that I could happily have read an entire series set in this world, and I would absolutely read more about Dayyan and Yildiz too.
And yes, we have forced marriage. We have one bed. We have enemies to lovers. We have slow burn. We have banter. We have yearning. We have a badass FMC and a male main character who understands that respecting the woman he loves is actually quite attractive.
I absolutely loved this. Israh Azizi’s writing completely pulled me in, and I will definitely be looking for more of her work. This was different, compelling and ridiculously easy to devour. If you love romance with a fantasy setting, genuine enemies to lovers and enough yearning to make you want to scream into a pillow, you need to read this.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy.
First of all, this book is dedicated to the yearners, and Israh Azizi really said, “I see you.” The yearning in this book is TOP TIER. Dayyan is now firmly one of my favourite male main characters. He gave me so much Kaan Vaegor from When the Moon Hatched energy, with that combination of tenderness, respect and restraint, while also having the very much “touch my woman and I will end you” energy that we all appreciate. What I loved most about him, though, was the way his relationship with Yildiz was built around genuinely seeing and respecting each other as equals. It wasn’t just physical attraction. They challenged each other mentally, respected each other’s strengths and constantly pushed one another.
And Yildiz? I absolutely loved her. She’s a bodyguard who ends up having to take Farani’s place and marry a prince, and she is such a brilliant FMC. She’s badass without being written as completely infallible. She’s intelligent and street smart, but there are moments where she’s naive, and I really enjoyed that balance. Her dynamic with Dayyan was probably my favourite thing about the entire book. They genuinely did not like each other to begin with, so this felt like genuine enemies to yearners rather than two people who are mildly inconvenienced by each other’s existence. The banter, the arguments, the mental sparring and even the physical sparring were so much fun. And the fact that they actually spent time together and got the chance to properly challenge and understand each other made their relationship feel so much more believable.
Also, the yearning. I cannot stress this enough. There were moments where I was absolutely convinced, “THIS IS IT.” Surely this is finally the moment. And then nothing. The restraint was almost cruel, but in the best possible way. If you are a yearning girl, you are going to eat this up.
I really loved the world too. The Khatatian Desert and the conflict between the North and South gave the story such an interesting setting, and I loved the Central Asian influences throughout it. I got hints of Turkish and even ancient Babylonian influences, which made the world feel very different from a lot of the fantasy romances I’ve been reading lately. There is magic here, but it’s subtle rather than being thrown at you constantly. There are fantastical creatures, including a winged horse, but the fantasy elements are woven into the world rather than taking over the story, and I thought that worked really well.
I also really appreciated the pronunciation guide and glossary at the beginning of the book. With so many names, places and unfamiliar words, having those there was genuinely helpful and made it much easier to settle into the world.
The plotting was another huge win for me. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, something else happened. There were so many twists and turns that kept me invested from beginning to end, and the pacing worked really well for me. I was constantly thinking I knew what was coming next, only to be proven wrong.
I also really enjoyed the side characters and the relationships outside of the main romance. Azizi created a world here that I genuinely wanted more of. By the end, I was sitting there thinking that I could happily have read an entire series set in this world, and I would absolutely read more about Dayyan and Yildiz too.
And yes, we have forced marriage. We have one bed. We have enemies to lovers. We have slow burn. We have banter. We have yearning. We have a badass FMC and a male main character who understands that respecting the woman he loves is actually quite attractive.
I absolutely loved this. Israh Azizi’s writing completely pulled me in, and I will definitely be looking for more of her work. This was different, compelling and ridiculously easy to devour. If you love romance with a fantasy setting, genuine enemies to lovers and enough yearning to make you want to scream into a pillow, you need to read this.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Israh Azizi delivers a captivating, desert-inspired fantasy in Until the Sand Claims Us, a standalone novel that balances high-stakes political intrigue, rich world-building, and an utterly addictive romance. From the very first chapter, Azizi grabs your attention and doesn't let go, proving herself to be an exciting voice in New Adult fantasy.
The story follows Yildiz, a royal bodyguard forced to step into the ultimate deception. When the Southern princess vanishes, Yildiz is thrust into her place, disguised as the royal bride to secure a political marriage with the Northern Kingdom. To make matters worse, she carries a deadly secret command: she must assassinate the Northern heirs. Her groom, Prince Dayyan, is known across the realm as the ruthless "Prince of Death"—an executioner forced to carry out the Shah's cruel bidding to protect his own family. Bound together in a forced union designed to broker peace, both Yildiz and Dayyan find themselves trapped between their strict duties to their homelands and the dangerous truths they keep hidden.
At the heart of the book are the remarkable character arcs of Yildiz and Dayyan. Yildiz is a fierce, highly capable protagonist whose resilience is tested at every turn. Watching her navigate an enemy court while maintaining her cover makes for a tense, compelling read. Dayyan, on the other hand, is a deeply complex character—haunted by his role as the executioner, yet driven by an intense loyalty to his family. The enemies-to-lovers progression between them is exceptionally well-done. Their dynamic begins with sharp distrust, guarded secrets, and intense tension, but as they are forced to rely on one another, those walls begin to crumble. Azizi takes her time with their relationship, ensuring that every shift in their dynamic feels earned, natural, and intensely satisfying.
Beyond the core dynamic, the antagonistic forces in the novel provide a stark, chilling contrast. The "bad guys" in this story are driven by an unquenchable thirst for revenge and power and a terrifying willingness to do whatever it takes to secure it. Their manipulation and ambition create a constant sense of danger, elevating the stakes for both Yildiz and Dayyan as they navigate the treacherous political landscape of the Khatatian Desert.
What truly sets Until the Sand Claims Us apart, however, is its pacing and story structure. Azizi excels at keeping the narrative moving at a swift, engaging pace while still taking the time to fully flesh out her cast and world. The plot is woven with a few brilliant twists that I genuinely did not see coming. Without giving away any spoilers, these unexpected turns completely shift the direction of the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat and deeply invested in the ultimate fate of these characters.
As a standalone fantasy, Until the Sand Claims Us delivers a complete, deeply satisfying arc that leaves no loose ends while still lingering in your mind long after the final page. Israh Azizi has crafted a powerful, romantic, and twisty adventure that fans of slow-burn romance and high-stakes fantasy will adore. It was an absolute joy to read, and I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Yildiz, a royal bodyguard forced to step into the ultimate deception. When the Southern princess vanishes, Yildiz is thrust into her place, disguised as the royal bride to secure a political marriage with the Northern Kingdom. To make matters worse, she carries a deadly secret command: she must assassinate the Northern heirs. Her groom, Prince Dayyan, is known across the realm as the ruthless "Prince of Death"—an executioner forced to carry out the Shah's cruel bidding to protect his own family. Bound together in a forced union designed to broker peace, both Yildiz and Dayyan find themselves trapped between their strict duties to their homelands and the dangerous truths they keep hidden.
At the heart of the book are the remarkable character arcs of Yildiz and Dayyan. Yildiz is a fierce, highly capable protagonist whose resilience is tested at every turn. Watching her navigate an enemy court while maintaining her cover makes for a tense, compelling read. Dayyan, on the other hand, is a deeply complex character—haunted by his role as the executioner, yet driven by an intense loyalty to his family. The enemies-to-lovers progression between them is exceptionally well-done. Their dynamic begins with sharp distrust, guarded secrets, and intense tension, but as they are forced to rely on one another, those walls begin to crumble. Azizi takes her time with their relationship, ensuring that every shift in their dynamic feels earned, natural, and intensely satisfying.
Beyond the core dynamic, the antagonistic forces in the novel provide a stark, chilling contrast. The "bad guys" in this story are driven by an unquenchable thirst for revenge and power and a terrifying willingness to do whatever it takes to secure it. Their manipulation and ambition create a constant sense of danger, elevating the stakes for both Yildiz and Dayyan as they navigate the treacherous political landscape of the Khatatian Desert.
What truly sets Until the Sand Claims Us apart, however, is its pacing and story structure. Azizi excels at keeping the narrative moving at a swift, engaging pace while still taking the time to fully flesh out her cast and world. The plot is woven with a few brilliant twists that I genuinely did not see coming. Without giving away any spoilers, these unexpected turns completely shift the direction of the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat and deeply invested in the ultimate fate of these characters.
As a standalone fantasy, Until the Sand Claims Us delivers a complete, deeply satisfying arc that leaves no loose ends while still lingering in your mind long after the final page. Israh Azizi has crafted a powerful, romantic, and twisty adventure that fans of slow-burn romance and high-stakes fantasy will adore. It was an absolute joy to read, and I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This romantasy wasn't quite what I'd expected from the blurb, but it's still a perfectly good serving of your usual tricks and tropes of the genre with a hint of YA to the drama (and lack of spice; no criticism, just observation).
Our protagonists are Yildez, disgraced cousin and bodyguard to the princess of the South, and her not-so intended Dayyan, prince of the North. Their kingdoms have been at war since time immemorial over the magical resources on the South can access. When all seems lost for the army of the South, the shah wishes to evoke an old promise of peace between the two kingdoms by marrying his daughter to the Northern heir. Unfortunately, said princess has vanished. Yildez will be sent in her place. And if they do not make peace? She's ordered to kill each and every Northern royal, ending the war in blood. Of course, things don't turn out the way they'd expected. Despite being married to the wrong prince, Dayyan, the "Prince of Death", royal executioner, isn't the monster he seems. Yet the palace is filled with ambitious snakes in the shadows, just waiting to seize their moment.
I appreciated that it was an easy enough story to settle into, with the kind of smooth narration you'd hope for from this kind of book. There's enough detail about the setting to help you feel at home amidst the special terms used to evoke the world's character. Yildez is a tough cookie with believable skills and a past full of secrets and pain. Dayyan is much the same, though tall, dark and brooding with it. Side characters can be as vicious as the desert is beautiful, though there are some rays of light in the younger generation of royals.
It's also not a first in series, but a stand alone novel that tells a complete story. That in itself deserves praise in a world of excessive trilogies. The story doesn't play about, it gets straight down to it. There's one particular plot twist right at the end that felt very cathartic (no, not that one, the one right at the end).
However, I found the plot a tad confusing at times as events seemed to be moulded round the tropes used (the forced marriage to Dayyan rather than Bahir, for instance). As someone who's read a lot of this kind of book, how tropes played out could feel familiar. It could also get a bit more soap opera dramatic than is my taste towards the end, even with some twists being heavily foreshadowed. I wasn't always sure of the characters' actions, especially Dayyan's erratic possessive anger and Yildez reacting to certain events in ways that made her seem a different character.
But I can't lie; it is dramatic and tinged with an original magical mythology. It's got that YA romantasy flair with just a hint of darker things that happen in the world without going into too much detail.
If you like inescapable attraction, forbidden feelings, shock twists in a desert fantasy setting, this could just be the stand alone romantasy for you.
This romantasy wasn't quite what I'd expected from the blurb, but it's still a perfectly good serving of your usual tricks and tropes of the genre with a hint of YA to the drama (and lack of spice; no criticism, just observation).
Our protagonists are Yildez, disgraced cousin and bodyguard to the princess of the South, and her not-so intended Dayyan, prince of the North. Their kingdoms have been at war since time immemorial over the magical resources on the South can access. When all seems lost for the army of the South, the shah wishes to evoke an old promise of peace between the two kingdoms by marrying his daughter to the Northern heir. Unfortunately, said princess has vanished. Yildez will be sent in her place. And if they do not make peace? She's ordered to kill each and every Northern royal, ending the war in blood. Of course, things don't turn out the way they'd expected. Despite being married to the wrong prince, Dayyan, the "Prince of Death", royal executioner, isn't the monster he seems. Yet the palace is filled with ambitious snakes in the shadows, just waiting to seize their moment.
I appreciated that it was an easy enough story to settle into, with the kind of smooth narration you'd hope for from this kind of book. There's enough detail about the setting to help you feel at home amidst the special terms used to evoke the world's character. Yildez is a tough cookie with believable skills and a past full of secrets and pain. Dayyan is much the same, though tall, dark and brooding with it. Side characters can be as vicious as the desert is beautiful, though there are some rays of light in the younger generation of royals.
It's also not a first in series, but a stand alone novel that tells a complete story. That in itself deserves praise in a world of excessive trilogies. The story doesn't play about, it gets straight down to it. There's one particular plot twist right at the end that felt very cathartic (no, not that one, the one right at the end).
However, I found the plot a tad confusing at times as events seemed to be moulded round the tropes used (the forced marriage to Dayyan rather than Bahir, for instance). As someone who's read a lot of this kind of book, how tropes played out could feel familiar. It could also get a bit more soap opera dramatic than is my taste towards the end, even with some twists being heavily foreshadowed. I wasn't always sure of the characters' actions, especially Dayyan's erratic possessive anger and Yildez reacting to certain events in ways that made her seem a different character.
But I can't lie; it is dramatic and tinged with an original magical mythology. It's got that YA romantasy flair with just a hint of darker things that happen in the world without going into too much detail.
If you like inescapable attraction, forbidden feelings, shock twists in a desert fantasy setting, this could just be the stand alone romantasy for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced reader copy sent by the Author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
What to expect:
Enemies to lovers • Forced proximity • YEARNING • Arranged marriage • Slow burn • Morally grey characters •
Yes yes yes, its a yes from me! This was such an addictive read. I loved that it was a standalone, and all my questions got answered by the end of the book.
We follow our FMC Yildiz, she serves as the Southern Princess's bodyguard. She is feisty, brave, clever and just a total badass that can put a seasoned fighter on their back!
Yildiz was one of those characters you can't help but root for. She hasn't been able to make many choices for herself; she's always following orders. She had some traumatic things happen in her life that have shaped her into the woman she is now. She isn't afraid to speak her mind. And I just loved her character so much.
Our MMC Dayyan, he is known as the ruthless Northern executioner. He serves at the pleasure of his king who also happens to be his father. He has no choice but to follow orders, even when each one takes a little piece of him. Dayyan is brave, strong, compassionate and protective. He goes out of his way to help people. Love him!
The worldbuilding and plot were fantastic, the descriptive writing by the Author made it so easy to picture everything, the massive expanse of the desert and the intricate design of the palace.
We get political intrigue, hidden identities, a brewing war between the North and the South, intriguing harem, backstabbing, drama and sooo many reveals and betrayals. This book will have you sat there in shock.
The YEARNING was epic. Ooofff, palpable doesn't even cover it! I enjoyed every second of this slow burn romance. Literal goosebumps reading certain interactions between the MCs. If you're a fan of yearning in your books, then this is the one for you!
I really enjoyed the Author's writing style, and I will definitely be reading more from this Author. I loved the pronunciation guide in the book, I was struggling with some of the unknown words, and it was so nice to be able to go to that guide.
We got a few high-stakes action scenes that had the heart racing.
Loved the The Altizar, I won't spoil that you will have to read to find out what they are. 😉
Had some great side characters, with fantastic banter. Some of those characters added a lot of mystery and tension to the story.
Really enjoyed the ending of this one. Loved that it's a standalone and we get all the pieces to the puzzle and all the answers we needed.
Highly recommend this one.
Thank you so much to the Author for sending me an arc copy of your book. 🩷
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
What to expect:
Enemies to lovers • Forced proximity • YEARNING • Arranged marriage • Slow burn • Morally grey characters •
Yes yes yes, its a yes from me! This was such an addictive read. I loved that it was a standalone, and all my questions got answered by the end of the book.
We follow our FMC Yildiz, she serves as the Southern Princess's bodyguard. She is feisty, brave, clever and just a total badass that can put a seasoned fighter on their back!
Yildiz was one of those characters you can't help but root for. She hasn't been able to make many choices for herself; she's always following orders. She had some traumatic things happen in her life that have shaped her into the woman she is now. She isn't afraid to speak her mind. And I just loved her character so much.
Our MMC Dayyan, he is known as the ruthless Northern executioner. He serves at the pleasure of his king who also happens to be his father. He has no choice but to follow orders, even when each one takes a little piece of him. Dayyan is brave, strong, compassionate and protective. He goes out of his way to help people. Love him!
The worldbuilding and plot were fantastic, the descriptive writing by the Author made it so easy to picture everything, the massive expanse of the desert and the intricate design of the palace.
We get political intrigue, hidden identities, a brewing war between the North and the South, intriguing harem, backstabbing, drama and sooo many reveals and betrayals. This book will have you sat there in shock.
The YEARNING was epic. Ooofff, palpable doesn't even cover it! I enjoyed every second of this slow burn romance. Literal goosebumps reading certain interactions between the MCs. If you're a fan of yearning in your books, then this is the one for you!
I really enjoyed the Author's writing style, and I will definitely be reading more from this Author. I loved the pronunciation guide in the book, I was struggling with some of the unknown words, and it was so nice to be able to go to that guide.
We got a few high-stakes action scenes that had the heart racing.
Loved the The Altizar, I won't spoil that you will have to read to find out what they are. 😉
Had some great side characters, with fantastic banter. Some of those characters added a lot of mystery and tension to the story.
Really enjoyed the ending of this one. Loved that it's a standalone and we get all the pieces to the puzzle and all the answers we needed.
Highly recommend this one.
Thank you so much to the Author for sending me an arc copy of your book. 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2026
Until the Sand Claims Us is an adult romantasy with heavy Central Asian influences. This dual POV book follows Yildiz, a bodyguard who must mask her appearance and pretend to be her cousin - the princess. In the war torn Khatatian Desert, the North and South fight for dominance over the land and the mystical golden roots that are said to hold immense power. Yildiz is forced into a marriage with a prince from the North, with the ultimate goal of killing him and bringing justice to her nation.
To start, I loved this book! I was enraptured the entire time I was reading, Israh Azizi just kept me wanting more. I was gasping, kicking my feet, putting it down to walk away and come back… I loved the power and strength behind Yildiz. She spoke up and stuck to her beliefs when she felt the most compelled (and willing to face the consequences), but it never felt cringey to me (which I have occasionally found in other books). Her past with SA haunted the pages in just the right way without feeling overbearing or underplayed. I felt like it was handled beautifully and played a key role in parts of the storytelling.
Dayyan was another beautifully complex character. I loved getting to see all the dynamics with his trauma and members of his family. It was so well done in this book, I feel like I haven’t seen something this compelling in recent reads. I feel like Day is humanized so well by his younger siblings which gives Yildiz the chance to really start to see the real him. I loved that we got to see some hobbies of his that helped round him out and made him feel that more real.
The tension between Yildiz and Dayyan built so nicely throughout the book, giving us a taste and then pulling back when we think we’re getting somewhere. I think every time one of them started to pull back, it just pulled the other one farther in - which created a lovely dynamic. Seeing the outside forces play against them in positive and negative ways was so interesting to see. The way they defended each other and found their way around their feelings and back was so well written.
The writing of this book was fantastic. This was my first book by Israh Azizi, but it certainly won’t be the last. The structure, the world building, the characters, the PLOT TWISTS - were exactly what I was looking for in this book and I’m so glad it hit the mark.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, PageTurnerPress, and Israh Azizi for this advanced copy of Until the Sand Claims Us in exchange for my honest review.
To start, I loved this book! I was enraptured the entire time I was reading, Israh Azizi just kept me wanting more. I was gasping, kicking my feet, putting it down to walk away and come back… I loved the power and strength behind Yildiz. She spoke up and stuck to her beliefs when she felt the most compelled (and willing to face the consequences), but it never felt cringey to me (which I have occasionally found in other books). Her past with SA haunted the pages in just the right way without feeling overbearing or underplayed. I felt like it was handled beautifully and played a key role in parts of the storytelling.
Dayyan was another beautifully complex character. I loved getting to see all the dynamics with his trauma and members of his family. It was so well done in this book, I feel like I haven’t seen something this compelling in recent reads. I feel like Day is humanized so well by his younger siblings which gives Yildiz the chance to really start to see the real him. I loved that we got to see some hobbies of his that helped round him out and made him feel that more real.
The tension between Yildiz and Dayyan built so nicely throughout the book, giving us a taste and then pulling back when we think we’re getting somewhere. I think every time one of them started to pull back, it just pulled the other one farther in - which created a lovely dynamic. Seeing the outside forces play against them in positive and negative ways was so interesting to see. The way they defended each other and found their way around their feelings and back was so well written.
The writing of this book was fantastic. This was my first book by Israh Azizi, but it certainly won’t be the last. The structure, the world building, the characters, the PLOT TWISTS - were exactly what I was looking for in this book and I’m so glad it hit the mark.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, PageTurnerPress, and Israh Azizi for this advanced copy of Until the Sand Claims Us in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Autore
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you so much to the author and Behind the Pages PR for the ARC!
I LOOOVED the setting of this book. I desperately need to read more books with these vibes because the Persian-inspired atmosphere was absolutely incredible. The scents, the lights, the dances, the music—everything transported me straight into a palace in the middle of the desert, where danger, secrets, and political intrigues are always lurking just around the corner. The atmosphere was honestly one of my favourite things about this book!
And then we have our two main characters. Yildiz is strong, determined, and knows exactly what her duty is, but she can't help falling for the very man who should make her recoil. I loved watching her struggle between what she is expected to do and what her heart actually wants.
And Dayyan… this man needs multiple hugs, I swear. 🥹 He is such a complex character—so just, fiercely loyal, and guided by a strong sense of morality, yet forced to follow his father's commands even when they go completely against everything he believes in because he wants to protect his family. My heart BROKE for him. And the multiple “MY WIFE” moments??? We LOVE to see it. 😂 Honestly, I don't know how Yildiz managed to resist him for as long as she did because I would have folded immediately.
The slow burn was also so good and incredibly satisfying. Watching their relationship develop little by little made the payoff feel completely worth it. ❤️
The plot kept me hooked too, with plenty of political intrigue, hidden identities, secrets, and twists. That said, I did feel like we were left with a few unanswered questions by the end, and the ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the story. I also really wish this had been a series rather than a standalone. I wanted more time with these characters, more lore, and honestly just more of this world. I think a second book could have given us more closure and allowed some of the plot threads to breathe.
BUT. Despite that, I was literally in tears when I finished this book because my babies got their more-than-well-deserved happy ending. 🥹❤️ And after everything they went through, I was absolutely going to accept it and be happy for them.
Overall, I really loved this book. The atmosphere, the characters, the slow-burn romance, the political intrigue, and the desert palace setting completely pulled me in. I just wish I could have stayed in this world a little longer.
Give me more Persian-inspired fantasy romances immediately, please. ✨
Thank you so much to the author and Behind the Pages PR for the ARC!
I LOOOVED the setting of this book. I desperately need to read more books with these vibes because the Persian-inspired atmosphere was absolutely incredible. The scents, the lights, the dances, the music—everything transported me straight into a palace in the middle of the desert, where danger, secrets, and political intrigues are always lurking just around the corner. The atmosphere was honestly one of my favourite things about this book!
And then we have our two main characters. Yildiz is strong, determined, and knows exactly what her duty is, but she can't help falling for the very man who should make her recoil. I loved watching her struggle between what she is expected to do and what her heart actually wants.
And Dayyan… this man needs multiple hugs, I swear. 🥹 He is such a complex character—so just, fiercely loyal, and guided by a strong sense of morality, yet forced to follow his father's commands even when they go completely against everything he believes in because he wants to protect his family. My heart BROKE for him. And the multiple “MY WIFE” moments??? We LOVE to see it. 😂 Honestly, I don't know how Yildiz managed to resist him for as long as she did because I would have folded immediately.
The slow burn was also so good and incredibly satisfying. Watching their relationship develop little by little made the payoff feel completely worth it. ❤️
The plot kept me hooked too, with plenty of political intrigue, hidden identities, secrets, and twists. That said, I did feel like we were left with a few unanswered questions by the end, and the ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the story. I also really wish this had been a series rather than a standalone. I wanted more time with these characters, more lore, and honestly just more of this world. I think a second book could have given us more closure and allowed some of the plot threads to breathe.
BUT. Despite that, I was literally in tears when I finished this book because my babies got their more-than-well-deserved happy ending. 🥹❤️ And after everything they went through, I was absolutely going to accept it and be happy for them.
Overall, I really loved this book. The atmosphere, the characters, the slow-burn romance, the political intrigue, and the desert palace setting completely pulled me in. I just wish I could have stayed in this world a little longer.
Give me more Persian-inspired fantasy romances immediately, please. ✨
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews